Luli's First Autumn

Luli is an eight-year old Spanish-speaking school girl from Marianao, Cuba, where she was used to living in a tropical climate with only two seasons: wet and dry. She marveled at the vibrant and beautiful fall foliage in Hinsdale, Illinois. The leaves on the almond, guava, and avocado trees on her street in Marianao did not change colors.

She now finds herself learning about Halloween, a new tradition that she never celebrated in Cuba. The only time she had seen people dressed in costumes, was when her parents took her to see the Havana Carnival by the Malecón, the seawall protecting the city from the sea.

The enthusiastic immigrant girl tries hard to fit in her new school setting by participating in the school's Halloween parade with the creative help of a kind and generous next-door neighbor.

Luli quickly learns that she can enjoy participating in new traditions. It's become a true cultural adventure for her!